Site-selective Pd(0)-catalyzed reactions have been developed to functionalize a microelectrode array. Heck, Suzuki, and allylation reactions have all been accomplished. The reactions are compatible with both 1K and 12K arrays and work best when a nonsugar porous reaction layer is used. Suzuki reactions are faster than the Heck reactions and thus require more careful control of the reactions in order to maintain confinement. The allylation reaction requires a different confining agent than the Heck and Suzuki reactions but can be accomplished nicely with quinone as an oxidant for Pd(0).

Catalytic intramolecular hydroamination of dithioketene acetals was developed for the synthesis of cyclic amino acid derivatives. Triggered by the addition of a catalytical amount of n-BuLi, the reaction proceeds to give proline and pipecolic acid derivatives in excellent yields and diastereoselectivity.

Look out—it’s a trap! The anodic coupling of olefins with amine trapping groups to form proline and pipecolic acid derivatives with a quaternary α carbon atom (see scheme) was successful despite the significantly lower oxidation potential of the product relative to that of either functional group in the substrate: owing to the very fast cyclization, the oxidation potential of the substrate is lower than that of the product.

A convenient, two-step procedure has been developed for converting sugar derivatives into C-glycosides containing a masked aldehyde functional group. The chemistry takes advantage of an anodic coupling reaction between an electron-rich olefin and an alcohol. The sequence works for the formation of both furanose and pyranose derivatives if less polarized vinyl sulfide derived radical cation intermediates are used. With more polarized enol ether derived radical cations, the cyclizations work best for the formation of furanose derivatives where the rate of five-membered ring formation precludes elimination reactions triggered by the radical cation.